India seal historic Asia Cup win over Pakistan in Dubai
Tilak Varma anchors tense chase with unbeaten half-century
DUBAI – India captured the Asia Cup 2025 title with a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai, sealing their ninth crown in the tournament’s history.
The final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium was historic in itself – the first time the arch-rivals had met in an Asia Cup final since the competition began 41 years ago.
Pakistan, who started brightly with an 84-run opening stand, crumbled under India’s relentless spin attack to finish on 146 all out. Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 and Shivam Dube’s steady 33 then steered India home in the final over, with the packed 28,000 crowd witnessing history under the lights.
INDIA ARE CHAMPIONS! ????
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 28, 2025
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Pakistan’s collapse
Pakistan’s innings began confidently with Sahibzada Farhan’s 57 off 38 balls and Fakhar Zaman’s 46 from 35 deliveries. At 113 for one, they looked poised for a strong total. But what followed was a stunning collapse.
Pakistan crumble to 1️⃣4️⃣6️⃣
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 28, 2025
In what has been an incredible collapse, Pakistan lose their way after a tremendous start, managing a middling total.
Will the ???????? batters hunt down the target or will inspired bowling take ???????? to victory.#INDvPAK #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 #Final #ACC pic.twitter.com/PVgNgTD0XD
The team lost nine wickets for just 33 runs in the space of 39 deliveries, tumbling to 146 all out in 19.1 overs. Kuldeep Yadav ripped through the middle order with figures of 4 for 30, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel took two wickets apiece, supported by Jasprit Bumrah’s precision at the death.
India’s chase
India’s pursuit of 147 was not straightforward. Openers Abhishek Sharma (5) and Shubman Gill (10) fell cheaply to Faheem Ashraf. Captain Suryakumar Yadav was removed for just one by Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Sanju Samson’s 24 ended when Abrar Ahmed dismissed him after an earlier reprieve.
At 81 for four, the chase looked shaky, but Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube steadied the innings. Varma’s 69 not out was a masterclass in composure, while Dube’s unbeaten 33 offered vital support. With 17 needed off the last two overs, the pair guided India to victory with three balls remaining, sparking jubilant celebrations.
Road to Final
Pakistan entered the tournament with questions around form but produced a spirited campaign. They overcame Bangladesh by 11 runs in the Super Fours in what was effectively a semifinal, securing their place in the title match.
Before that, Pakistan had shown resilience, defeating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in group and Super Four stages. However, their struggles against India were evident: they lost twice to their rivals during the group and Super Four rounds, a pattern that repeated itself in the final.
India dominated the competition from start to finish, remaining unbeaten throughout. They booked their place in the final with commanding wins, including a crushing victory over Bangladesh in the Super Fours.
The side displayed balance across all departments – aggressive batting, sharp bowling, and tactical acumen under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy. Their journey to the final reflected consistency and depth, setting the stage for their decisive performance in Dubai.